Deborah Kelso South Kingstown Town Council

My Priorities

I want to be sure the Town is focused on supporting all residents while keeping the tax rate affordable.

Our Town Council needs to lead the way to help businesses and citizens recover from the economic distress caused by Covid-19.

I want to see a comprehensive housing plan adopted and implemented that creates policies that promote affordability and inclusivity.

I want to see the implementation of the town wide radio system that protects our first responders and residents no matter which corner of town or which building they are in.

I want to work toward a town that is equitable to all and recognize that we have work to do to achieve that goal.

I am advocating for continuing the South Kingstown policies that:

Make the necessary investments to upgrade and maintain our roads and infrastructure including the rebuilding of the community boat ramp at Marina Park - Provide residents with safe, aesthetically pleasing, bike-able and walkable streets - Maintain our public access points to the shoreline- Preserve our first class parks - Honor and protect our historic districts and structures - Adequately fund our Schools, EMS and Police - Support our social service agency partners

I want to continue to work on the school facilities plan and be confident that the town has chosen the right path for students, education professionals and taxpayers.

I want to be sure that we continue to develop our plan to address the effects of climate change.

I want to be assured that Town Leaders will continue to treat each other and all members of the public with respect.

I want to be confident that we keep South Kingstown a town that every resident has pride in.

Values, goals, partnerships and protections

I have raised my 3 children in this community. They are all fortunate enough to continue to enjoy living here. All three attended elementary, middle and high school in SK. I appreciate our excellent schools and highly regard our teachers, school administrators, school committee and all support personnel. I know, first hand, how dedicated all of the professionals are. I am committed to ensuring that support and adequate funding for our schools remains a high priority.

South Kingstown's first responders are first rate. We all appreciate our safe and secure neighborhoods and know we can rely on a quick, professional response from our Emergency Medical team.

Our Police Department is now accredited, well trained and well disciplined, their professionalism is admirable. This does not mean we can rest on our laurels. All of us must be vigilant to ensure that all the residents of South Kingstown are treated equitably and without bias.

Town boards and commissions play an important role in the management of our town. As a Town Council Member I rely on the advice of each and every board and commission.

Affordable Housing, Economic Development, Planning, Zoning, Library, Conservation, Historic District, Veterans, Recreation, Waterfront and Bicycle-Pedestrian Committees and Commissions are invaluable. The opinions of each board have to be sought out and considered in all Town Council decisions.

I am committed to listening to all organizations and partners who share the common goal of a continuing to work toward making South Kingstown the best town it can be.

Protecting our history and our environment

Our South Kingstown community is proud to be home to historic sites, buildings and landmarks. It is important to protect and preserve our history, heritage and architectural gems for future generations. Let's find the right way to ensure that our history and historic structures are safeguarded.

The clean waterways, rivers, lakes and the shoreline are of particular importance to the quality of life in South Kingstown. We are so fortunate to live in such close proximity to such beauty.

Who doesn't enjoy the green spaces along our roads as you drive through South Kingstown? Who doesn't breath easier as you walk next to the dunes along the path to the beach? Who doesn't appreciate the fact that we have farms and farmers who continue to produce bountiful local products season after season?

We cherish all of it. We need to be proactive in our protections.

Biographical Information

I am a lifelong Rhode Island resident. I was born and raised in Warwick, the middle child in a family of 7 children, my father passed away when I was six. Becoming self-reliant became an art form. Since I was a young girl I have always pushed for equal rights and fair play. I was the first girl granted permission, after a year of denials, to enroll in wood shop class at Gorton Jr. High School, the first girl to wear (scandalous) coulottes in 8th grade when the archaic dress codes were finally loosened. First female bartender at the now (sad) demolished Larchwood Inn. First female inductee and the first female President of the Narragansett Lions Club. Equal rights and equal treatment under the law for all are at the core of my beliefs. If the law does not accommodate fair play it's time to change the law. The "Do Unto Others..." adage guides my moral compass.

I graduated from Warwick Veterans Memorial High School and went on to attend Boston University. I transferred to URI and graduated in 1981 with a B.A. in print journalism. (No fake news here). I chose South Kingstown to be my home during my college years and loved it so much that I stayed.

I enjoyed a long career working in the hospitality & tourism industry. I worked through college and beyond at the historic Larchwood Inn. Frank Browning, the proprietor, was a mentor. I learned a great deal about hospitality from Mr. Browning and about our community during my years working there. I still keep in touch with many of the people that were my friends and co-workers from that time. My 7 years at the Larchwood Inn made me feel like a local. In 1985 I began working at the Coast Guard House Restaurant and continued there for 22 years. I became the managing partner after inheriting a one-third ownership in the business due to the death of my husband, former State Representative James Kelso, in 1999. My partnership in the restaurant ended in 2008 and I was excited to become the Executive Director of the Narragansett Chamber of Commerce. The years at the Chamber gave me a new, insightful perspective on business formation, opportunity, challenge and success. I learned how tourism is cultivated and sustained. Invaluable learning opportunities abounded. I am currently self employed, happy to help small businesses with their administration, bookkeeping, communications and systems implementation. I have a thorough knowledge of what it takes to succeed in small business. The struggles business owners face on a daily basis - navigating regulations to understanding fiscal responsibility are now part of my acumen. Most importantly, surmounting the challenging seasonal environment that the majority of our local business face is tantamount to success.

My three adult children Carrie, Erica and Andrew, 9 year old granddaughter and infant grandson (they can call themselves "locals") were born at South County Hospital and they are all fortunate enough to be living in South Kingstown. They are homeowners, employed in strong professions, making lives for themselves that matter - what more could I ask for? My granddaughter is currently a student at Peace Dale Elementary enrolled in the DLI Program and will enter 4th grade in the fall of 2020.

Politics, and the political process is a passion for me. I have always felt compelled to keep myself informed and engaged in local issues and in the political process. I strive to keep abreast of issues in the local, state and national arena. I have served as the State Committeewoman for two prior SK State Representatives and I currently serve on the RI State Senate District 37 Committee.

One of my favorite quotes is attributed to Desmond TuTu "Don't raise your voice. Improve your argument"

My decision to run for Town Council is rooted in the fact that I could no longer ignore my desire to serve. My head and my heart said "STEP UP!"

Campaign Contribution Form

Contributions from individuals are greatly appreciated. Donations of all sizes make a difference.

Direct contributions from Corporations, Unions, Non-Profit Organizations or any Business Entity are prohibited.

Please include your full name, address, phone and employer information. Download the form to include with your contribution below.

Please make checks payable to "Friends of Deborah Kelso" 118 Rocky Brook Way Wakefield RI 02879

Contributor Information (pdf)Download

South Kingstown's
Future is Bright

South Kingstown's
Future is Bright

Deborah Kelso South Kingstown Town Council

Deborah Kelso South Kingstown Town Council

My Priorities

Values, goals, partnerships and protections

Protecting our history and our environment

Biographical Information

Contribute

Campaign Contribution Form

Contact Me

by Email contact@deborahkelso.com

by Phone

Deborah Kelso South Kingstown Town Council

Deborah Kelso South Kingstown Town Council

My Priorities

Values, goals, partnerships and protections

Protecting our history and our environment

Biographical Information

Contribute

Campaign Contribution Form

Contact Me

by Email contact@deborahkelso.com

by Phone

Connect With Deborah Kelso